Helping students with unique needs is most successful when parents, educators and the community work together. On Oct. 21, nearly 50 people gathered at the Stafford Early Childhood Center for the LOVE4ALL: Voices of Strength, Stories of Autism, Pathways to Belonging workshop.  

Dr. Margaret Patton, Special Schools director of curriculum and special services, was invited as a panelist to provide insight into fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and emphasized parents need to become informed advocates for their children. As the only educator on the panel, she also discussed how families and school leaders can collaborate to create solutions that meet the needs of each student and find continued support on their journey. Missouri City Councilwoman Lynn Clouser, DeAndre Hinton of Autism Dads Social Club and several community leaders also served as panelists.  

Instructional Coaches Courtney Atkinson and Shauntee Johnson represented the Special Schools division at the resource fair, informing attendees about Harris County Department of Education’s services to students and families.